There are two types of people…which one are you?
1.The frustrated, constant updater: You find yourself having to constantly click on “Forgot My Password” and verify your account, check your texts, scan a finger (give a pint of blood…maybe not that one) so you can reset your password. And it’s probably a brand-new one because you can’t use one you’ve used before, so this situation will happen again and again and again.
2. The weary optimist: You use the same password for every site, even though you know you shouldn’t because you’re tired of dealing with the above situation. This makes it SUPER-easy for hackers because chances are your password is available for sale on the dark web right now. But…you HOPE this doesn’t happen to you or you think you’re too small to worry about this because they only care about the “big fish.”
If you’re Person Type 1, it’s annoying, time-consuming and frustrating.
If you’re Person Type 2, it’s only a matter of time before you’re hacked, and it doesn’t end with you but can affect any business computers you use that lead to access of client, customer or patient records, and the results can be a total disaster.
So, what do we do? Many turn to the trusty web browser—Google Chrome, for example—thinking its password-saving feature is a lifeline. At first glance, it seems like the perfect solution. Your browser offers to remember passwords for you, autofill them when needed, and sync them across all your devices. Convenient, right?
But here’s the catch: While this feature might save you from the dreaded “Forgot Password” dance, it comes with its own set of risks.
- Vulnerability to Malware: Malware designed to steal passwords can easily extract credentials stored in browsers.
- Physical Access Risks: If someone gains physical access to your device, they can view saved passwords without much effort.
- Weak Encryption: Browsers often store encryption keys locally, making it easier for attackers to decrypt passwords.
- Cloud Sync Risks: If your browser account is compromised, attackers can access all synced passwords remotely.
- Limited Security Features: Dedicated password managers offer better security measures, like stronger encryption and two-factor authentication.
What’s the Solution?
If you’ve been using your browser’s password-saving feature, it’s not too late to make a change. Here’s how to step up your password game:
- Switch to a Dedicated Password Manager: Tools like LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden offer stronger encryption and more robust security features. They can also generate strong, unique passwords for you.
- Disable Autofill: In your browser settings, turn off autofill for passwords. This prevents unauthorized logins if someone gains access to your device.
- Clean Up Saved Passwords: Export your saved passwords, transfer them to a password manager, and delete them from your browser.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Wherever possible, add an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step for logins.
Breaking the Habit, Building Better Security
It’s tempting to stick with what’s easy, but when it comes to protecting your online accounts, convenience often comes at a price. Taking the time to set up a dedicated password manager and strengthen your security habits will pay off in the long run—and save you from sleepless nights worrying about your online safety.
Alpha & Omega takes this threat seriously, so we put our money where our mouth is.
We provide our clients with a password and documentation manager, and offer a free training session to introduce it, and assist with setting it up.
If you would like to set up a password manager for your business, schedule a 10-minute call with our team at https://www.aando.net/discoverycall/ or by calling 615-784-0096.
